DecodedCars2008 Ford Focus
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe FWD S/Se/Ses, 4dr Sedan FWD S/Se/Ses
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 24 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 175.2 in
- Curb weight
- 2,586–2,621 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2008 compact car (21.9 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Ford Focus is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 175 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,586 lb (2dr Coupe FWD S/Se/Ses).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (24 city / 35 highway), 28% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2008
- New body dimensions: 6.3 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine dropped: 2.3L 4-cyl
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Focus →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe FWD S/Se/Ses | 175.2 in | 67.7 in | 58.7 in | 102.8 in | 57.9 / 57.5 in | 2,586 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD S/Se/Ses | 175.2 in | 67.7 in | 58.7 in | 102.8 in | 58.3 / 57.1 in | 2,621 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +28% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Focus | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 35 / 28 | +28% | $2,400 | 317 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Ford Focus under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Ford Focus (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford Focus.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Ford Focus is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Ford Focus buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 30 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Structure › Body — 14 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Power Train — 11 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 100,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Ford Focus. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Focus years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 837 |
| 2017 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 907 |
| 2016 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 1,194 |
| 2015 Focus | 34 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 1,034 |
| 2014 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 14 | 2,496 |
| 2013 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 14 | 1,759 |
| 2012 Focus | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 3,147 |
| 2011 Focus | 29 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 73 |
| 2010 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 139 |
| 2009 Focus | 28 | 175.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 85 |
| 2007 Focus | 27 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 105 |
| 2006 Focus | 26 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 49 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →